Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Construction or agricultural-type vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-21
2001-05-22
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Construction or agricultural-type vehicle
C701S214000, C701S215000, C172S004500, C340S988000, C340S995190, C345S111000, C342S359000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236924
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a system and method for providing autoguidance for an agricultural machine and, more particularly, to a system and method for planning the operations of an agricultural machine in a field.
BACKGROUND ART
Agricultural operations, such as harvesting, plowing, planting, fertilizing, and the like, often require long, tedious hours in the field. Currently, there has been an effort to increase the efficiency and productivity of these agricultural operations.
Modern technologies, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), guidance systems, and machine control systems have assisted in new developments that aim to automate some or all functions of an agricultural operation, thus increasing productivity and decreasing operator fatigue. In order to automate machine functions, preliminary tasks, such as path planning, must be completed.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a system for planning the operations of an agricultural machine in a field is provided. The system includes a path planning system adapted to store a site model of the field. The site model includes data defining a plurality of parameters associated with the field. The path planning system is further adapted to receive information indicative of a work implement connected to the agricultural machine, and a desired work operation of the agricultural machine. A plurality of desired paths for the agricultural machine to traverse are planned as a function of the plurality of field parameters, the work implement, and the desired work operation. An autoguidance control system is further provided, and is adapted to receive the plurality of desired paths, and responsively produce a control signal upon activation of the autoguidance control system. A machine control system receives the control signal, and responsively controls the operation of the agricultural machine with respect to the plurality of desired paths.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for planning the operations of an agricultural machine in a field is provided. The method includes the step of storing a site model of the field. The site model includes data defining a plurality of parameters associated with the field. The method further includes the steps of receiving information indicative of a work implement connected to the agricultural machine, and a desired work operation. A plurality of desired paths for the agricultural machine to traverse are planned as a function of the plurality of field parameters, the desired work operation, and the work implement. An autoguidance control system is provided, and upon activation, is adapted to produce a control signal as a function of the plurality of desired paths. The operation of the agricultural machine is then controlled with respect to the plurality of desired paths.
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Motz Darin S.
Staub Michael D.
Caterpillar Inc.
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Hudson Marla L.
Lundquist Steve D.
Mancho Ronnie
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